Chicago Bears Free Agent Target: Poona Ford, DT
By all accounts, Poon Ford had a disappointing contract season. While his sack numbers stayed the same, his quarterback hurries and pressures dropped significantly. He also had fewer run stops and total tackles.
Ford’s case presented Poles with a unique opportunity. Ford was a below-average defender in 2022, but was an asset for the Seahawks for four of his five years with the team.
Recency bias is very real, but one bad season doesn’t change Ford’s body of work. Chicago tried to attack the interior line last offseason with Larry Ogunjobi until the deal was eventually called off. The need for a player like Ford is still there, and coming off a lackluster 2022, his asking price is lower than ever.
Unlike positions like offensive tackle and defensive end, which are likely to be filled in the early rounds of the draft, the Chicago Bears may not have a chance at a premier defensive tackle prospect.
Ford would not only be a substantial upgrade, but he would also elevate the players around him. The Bears' push up front was unacceptable a season ago. Signing Ford would be a major step in the right direction for the unit and the defense as a whole.